Bubba's of Traverse City

Riding a bike or walking, Bubba's of downtown Traverse City is perfectly placed for the summer lifestyle. 

I would be completely idiotic if I did not begin this blog with a hometown favorite here in Traverse City- Bubba's. 

It's not the fanciest joint in town, nor is it the priciest or the one with the most risks gracing its menu.  But, when it comes to fun people, delicious food and an atmosphere that can almost never be beaten, Bubba's is the place to be!

A welcoming atmosphere, great staff and fun menu welcome hungry folks into one of Traverse City's favorite eateries.

Nestled in the midst of downtown Traverse City's East side at 428 East Front Street, Bubba's is my preferred stop off after a long day of soaking up the sun or wandering the downtown shops. 

Bubba himself!

This is the man behind the vision, the late "Bubba."  The passion and fire that shows through in this photo is present within the wide reaching menu and drink selection. 

Now, the atmosphere is often quite jovial.  The staff and patrons mix and mingle to make for a fun, energy filled atmosphere.  Depending on who is in charge of the play list during your visit, you may hear bar rockin' blues, brilliant oldies, rock, Reggae or (my least favored) 80's R&B.  The noise level is most likely to be elevated a bit, but such is the personality of the place, especially as the night draws on.  Fear not, my friends, you too will be sucked into the energy of Bubba's!

Along with some great bar food and plated creations comes one of Traverse City's deepest reaching bars, able to whip up all manner of mixed drinks and offering some grand micro-brews and rarities.

While the food is truly satisfying and always fresh and fun, my favorite bit of Bubba's is certainly the bar.  From house made jello-shots to a few great pours and a beer selection that would make any connoisseur drool in anticipation, the Bubba's bar has it all.  My preferred libation is an ice cold bottle of Matilda, a wondrous bit of beer-ish miracle from my lovely Chicago (a city I adore and strive to visit every year, including this one, wherein it witnessed my bending of knee and presenting of ring).

There are also the local favorites by the boatload here.  Of those, I gravitate toward Oberon (from Michigan's famed Bells Brewery), Soft Parade (from Bellaire, MI's Shorts Brewery) and anything else up on their beer specials board (a wondrous piece of black board that is constantly changing).

Prefer a generic brew?  Search no further than these three lovely letters: P-B-R.

If you find yourself in the mood for a product of the vine, might I suggest some Woop Woop Shiraz?  It tastes as fun as it sounds!

Ask almost any local and they'll tell you that they love Bubba's of Traverse City.

Yes, as you can see, the drinking is grand at Bub's (as the locals call it).  They even have their own mixed drink menu full of intensely tasty treats.  But, for most, the libations are nothing without something solid for the gullet.  And so, I submit to you:  Bubba's and their burgers!

Now, Bubba's is a lot more than burgers.  They are an amazing breakfast, outstanding South-of-the-Border fare, satisfying sandwiches, yummy starters, perfect salads, homemade soups and delicious entrees (including a wondrous take on surf & turf).  BUT, to truly experience the Bubba's magic, it is this blogger's humble opinion that you MUST raise that glass of PBR in salute to your burger feast.

Of all the wonderful selections present upon their menu, I almost always gravitate toward the Buffalo Burger.  It is a healthy portion of scrumptious red meat (cooked medium rare- my suggestion- NEVER cook the taste out of a burger, for the love of god!) teamed with a spicy Buffalo sauce, bacon, bleu cheese crumbles (request Gorgonzola to REALLY be taken for a ride!) lettuce and tomato.  Achingly simple, but oh so good!

And that's that folks.  My first review.  I figured that I would start here, a guaranteed winner AND the perfect place to kick back with friends after a day full of water sporting in this amazing paradise we call TC.

And what's dinner without a movie at Traverse City's own State Theatre?

An added bonus to this little post is the above picture.  I heartily encourage you to take advantage of this deal and catch a flick at our fabled theatre, home of the Traverse City Film Festival.

(All photos by Brooks Vanderbush)